Jozef maakt zich bekend aan zijn broers 1797

Editor: Here we have Reinier Vinkeles’ engraving, “Jozef maakt zich bekend aan zijn broers,” from 1797. It's housed right here at the Rijksmuseum. The scene feels very dramatic. I see this central, dominant figure, and the men surrounding him seem overwhelmed. How do you interpret this work? Curator: The drama you observe stems from its Neoclassical style, which often depicted heightened emotional states, drawing on historical and often Biblical narratives. Considering Vinkeles was working in the late 18th century, during a time of massive social upheaval, how might the themes in this image—identity, family, and power—relate to the anxieties of the artist's contemporary world? What do you notice in the image that speaks to such questions? Editor: I notice how everyone seems to be reaching for this one central figure. They’re on different levels, some kneeling, others more upright. Could it represent different positions within a social hierarchy, and the potential disruption of that hierarchy? Curator: Exactly! And how does Vinkeles utilize the conventions of Neoclassical art to potentially comment on colonial power? Look at the setting. Note the figures and the backdrop of what seems like Egypt in the background. Editor: It’s interesting that you bring up colonialism. I hadn’t really thought about that. Is that something we often see reflected in art from this time period? Curator: Often, yes. Artists frequently used historical or biblical narratives to explore or justify contemporary social structures. Thinking about this image through that lens really transforms it for me. Editor: I see what you mean. It makes me consider how even seemingly historical depictions can be so deeply connected to contemporary politics and power dynamics. Thanks!